Kasey Chambers

Australian singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers was named the grand prize winner in the 2010 International Songwriting Competition (ISC). Chambers was recognized for her song “Beautiful Mess,” which was entered into the folk/singer-songwriter category. Chambers also captured first place in the Americana category for “Devil on Your Back,” second place in the performance category for “Little Bird”, the title track of her latest album, and two honorable mentions in the children’s music category.

“I honestly can’t believe it,” writes Chambers in a May 12 Facebook post that also appears on her website. “When I entered the International Songwriting Competition I didn’t think I even had a chance, being up against songwriters from all over the world. I thought it would be fun to enter anyway.”

Chambers’ grand prize-winning song, “Beautiful Mess,” features Missy Higgins on backing vocals and is the second single from Little Bird. Chambers wrote the song for her two children because, as she says, parenting is often a “beautiful mess,” and her songwriting is an outlet through which she expresses her love to them.

“I was at home babysitting a friend’s one-year-old son along with my two boys,” says Chambers. “It was one of those chaotic days, with kids running around and having lots of fun while this song was coming out. And that’s what it felt like that day – a beautiful mess. That’s what parenting constantly feels like.” Writes Chambers on her website: “Winning with the song “Beautiful Mess” makes it even more special as it’s a song I wrote for my two boys Talon and Arlo. Guess I better buy them an ice cream. Ha.”

A YouTube video of Chambers singing the song may be viewed by clicking here.

Chambers, who hails from a family of musicians – including her father Bill, mother Diane, and brother Nash, with whom she performed as The Dead Ringer Band until 1998 – is among Australia’s most beloved, respected and accomplished country and Americana artists. She has won numerous other awards, is the only Australian country artist to have a #1 single and album on the charts simultaneously in her native country, and her albums have achieved multi-platinum sales status. She also has toured with such other notable artists as Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams.

“Kasey is that rare artist whose beautifully crafted songs cross over into such a wide variety of genres, including country, Americana, pop, folk, and AAA,” says Candace Avery, ISC’s founder and director. “She has even put out an album of children’s music. But, it is the authenticity and sincerity of her music and lyrics that make her songs resonate so strongly with her fans – and also with the ISC judges.”

The competition, open to amateur and professional songwriters worldwide, was established in 2002 and drew more than 15,000 entries from 115 countries. In addition to providing recognition and exposure, more than $150,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to 66 winners in 22 categories. Entries were judged by a panel of recording artists and industry executives on the basis of creativity, originality, lyrics, melody and composition, without consideration for production value. You can hear the winning songs and view the list of winners by visiting www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.